Challenges and innovations in bioethics instruction for physician assistant programs

Ethics spans all of the medical specialties and is constantly evolving as new medical technologies develop. As PAs become involved in Institutional Ethics Committees (IEC) and related settings, ethics instruction becomes an increasingly important component of their education. Students need the tools to face ethical dilemmas in order to provide the best possible care to their patients across the life span. Furthermore, PAs have a clear role and responsibility in end-of-life and palliative care. Ethics education can be most effective when incorporated into both the preclinical and clinical phases of instruction. There are many ways in which this can be accomplished so that future PAs are equipped with the necessary tools, skills, and information.